Inspired by Ukrainian author Nikolai Gogol's story Diary of a Madman, Likhuta's large scale secular oratorio-drama for wind symphony and mixed choir was commissioned by Queensland Conservatorium Wind Orchestra (Peter Morris, conductor) with consortium support from Sydney Conservatorium (John Lynch, conductor) and the University of Georgia (Cynthia Johnston Turner, conductor). It premiered on October 14, 2016 by Queensland Conservatorium Wind Orchestra and The Australian Voices, conducted by Peter Morris (Gordon Hamilton, Chorus Master), and consists of 13 scenes, of which the first eight represent diary entries.

Likhuta's Scraps From A Madman's Diary aims to take the audience on a journey into the secret world (a very dark, scary and lonely world) of a person suffering from mental illness reflecting Gogol’s message surrounding society’s view of mental illness being limited to a sick person’s odd behaviour, the failing to see beyond the funny and the silly, and therefore failing to comprehend the immense tragedies of the affected individuals.

Comprehensive performance notes with score, some acting required of choir.

Link to the North American premiere (full choir) at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXJwmiDDKak

Link to Griffith University Queensland Conservatorium recording at https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=yjmgdkgediA